Common Summer Injuries

Summer is a welcomed time for most families living in the Kansas City community. Long sunny days and warm crisp nights provide us with ample opportunity to indulge in our favorite summer-time activities. However, this also means that your chances of suffering a summer-related injury, such as sunburn or dehydration, may increase. The personal injury team at Caste Law Office wants to remind you to familiarize yourself with common summer-time injuries so that you can avoid paying for unnecessary medical bills this summer. Below are several summer-time health hazards that you may want to watch out for.

Sunburn

The majority of the population is susceptible to sunburn when exposed to direct sunlight. Shockingly, many of us do not consider the long-term risks that are associated with sunburn. Long-term risks include the aging of skin, skin cancer, and several other skin conditions.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen to your skin can help protect you from sustaining long-term damage to your skin. Cancer.org reported that UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm so reapply that sunscreen as often as necessary during that time period.

Dehydration & Heatstroke

It’s hot, really hot! The National Weather Service reported that 2013 was the last time we had temperatures exceed 100. Thousands of individuals suffer from dehydration during the summer and the recent weather in Kansas City has raised the level of concern in the KC community.

Water, water, water! Dehydration can often be prevented by drinking water, replenishing electrolytes, staying indoors and avoiding the heat.  Remember to keep an eye on those who are more susceptible to dehydration, such as children and the elderly.

Drowning 

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under the age five, and it’s no shock that swimming pools are involved in a majority of these cases. Thousands of swimming pools are filled each summer causing the risk of a drowning to increase. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your next trip to the pool:

1. Never take your eye off a child or someone who can’t swim
2. Install the proper safety equipment if you have a pool in your backyard
3. Those who can’t swim should wear a certified flotation device
4. Be observant when at a swimming pool with others, especially if there are children around
5. Limit alcohol consumption.